What the papal abdication means for Italy’s upcoming general election

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Kevin Lees

The shock news earlier this week that Pope Benedict XVI (pictured above, right, with Italian prime minister Mario Monti) would step aside as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on February 28 has overshadowed the campaign currently taking place in advance of Italy’s general election — an election that will take place on February [...]

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Xi’s just not that into you

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Kevin Lees

Add The People’s Daily to the cadres of those who hate Valentine’s Day, according to the South China Morning Post. But don’t blame it on curmudgeonry, blame it on corruption — apparently, Cupid and cupidity go hand in hand: A four-paragraph story in People’s Daily said Valentine’s Day had become a hatchery of decadent ideology, indulgent lifestyle, fraud [...]

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First Past the Post: February 13-14

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Kevin Lees

East and South Asia Japan may lift its ban on Internet electioneering in time for this summer’s elections. Another quarter, another Japanese contraction. Valentine’s Day in Shahbagh. South Korean president-elect Park Guen-hye has announced six new ministers, including former chief presidential secretary Yun Byung-se as foreign minister. The Diplomat speculates at five ways China could become a [...]

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